MONROE, CT — Facing football unbeaten Bethel, one-loss Masuk High appeared to have a bit of a challenge on its hands on Friday night. No such luck for the visiting Wildcats as the Panthers cruised to a 42-0 win behind solid offense and defense.
In fact, Masuk’s defense outscored Bethel with Luke Longo scoring on a fumble recovery.
The Panthers jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead with quarterback Aaron Champagne scoring on a 22-yard run, Champagne completing a pass to Shane Walker for a 25-yard scoring strike and Longo returning a fumble recovery 19 yards for a TD.
In the third quarter Masuk picked up where it left off. Champagne threw a 27-yard TD pass to Shane Walker to extend the lead. Nick Fox finished a scoring drive with a two-yard touchdown run and the Panthers got things to the 35-point halftime lead running clock scenario. Gavin Walker added a one-yard TD rush in the fourth.
“I’m so proud of these kids,” said Masuk Coach Steve Christy, noting that a lot of hard work and preparation went into the Panthers dominating this game. “This is the culmination of the week.”
The way Masuk’s defense played, a single TD could have gotten the job done.
“Defense was amazing — defense was great,” Christy said.
Luke Longo had 8 tackles to go with his 19 yard scoop and score, Jake Viglione had five tackles, Nick Fox had 10 tackles and a sack, and Ryan Putnam and David Marciano had a sack.
Masuk’s offense put up more than 40 points for the second week in a row and the third time this campaign.
Champagne accounted for three TDs. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns and one interception. Champagne also had 4 carries for 50 yards and one score.
Gavin Walker had 3 receptions for 41 yards and rushed for 16 yards and a TD on five carries. Shane Walker had 8 catches for 177 yards and 2 TDs. Fox had 2 catches for 10 yards, 3 rushes for 35 yards a 1 TD.
“It’s a big win for us — definitely,” Fox said. “A big confidence booster.”
Masuk will look to continue its winning ways Friday, Nov. 1, when Pomperaug of Southbury visits at 7 p.m.
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